Patty Sheehan was born in Middlebury on this day in 1956.

She grew up in Nevada, and became a professional golfer, joining the LPGA Tour in 1980, winning six major championships.

In 1989, Sheehan’s home and all of her possessions were destroyed in the San Francisco earthquake, and her professional life fell apart, as well.

Patty Sheehan came back, however, becoming the 13th inductee into the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1993, and winning the U.S. Women’s Open in ’92 and ’94.

Sheehan was one of the first LPGA members to announce publicly that she was a lesbian. She and her partner adopted two children.

Historic image courtesy LPGA